Hospice

In the Middle Ages, a hospice was a place of shelter for weary travelers on difficult journeys. Hospice innkeepers helped in many ways when they were most needed. Today our Hospice is not a place, but rather an avenue for securing comfort and ease while you or a loved one is nearing the end of life’s journey.

Cherokee Regional Medical Center's Hospice Philosophy

CRMC Hospice provides support and care for persons with life-limiting illnesses so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life.

Hospice affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death that is satisfactory to them.

Hospice cares for…

1. People whose focus has changed from "cure" to "care". 2. People who choose no heroic means to sustain live. 3. People who choose pain management, care and comfort rather than curative treatment. 4. People of all ages, from infants to adults. 5. People with end-stage conditions including such diseases as cancer, heart disease, pulmonary disease, AIDS, ALS, Alzheimer’s and chronic renal disease. 6. Family members who have lost a loved one (through our bereavement services).

Hospice means hospitality

Hospice is a special kind of care that brings to terminally ill persons and their families comfort, support and compassion in a manner that respects and cherishes the dignity and uniqueness of each individual. When a cure is no longer possible, hospice can provide highly skilled care to patients and their families in the familiar surrounding of their own home or residence, including nursing homes. Family or friends providing care in the home can call for help at any time. A Hospice nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hospice means holistic care

Hospice care focuses on the many different needs of patients and families. Hospice’s professional staff and the patient’s physicians assist with care by providing pain management and symptom control for patients, as well as emotional, psychological, social and spiritual support for patients and families.

Care is provided through an interdisciplinary team whose members include the physician, nursing staff, social workers, spiritual counselors, home health aides, trained volunteers and bereavement counselors. Pharmacists, dieticians and therapists also enhance the quality of life for hospice patients.

Hospice is reimbursed by…

Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, many private insurance companies and charitable contributions. The CRMC Hospice staff will explore the possibilities and submit all claims for services rendered.

CRMC Hospice is a Medicare certified agency. Many items and services are covered under Hospice that are not covered through any other type of facility or provider. These benefits include:

1. Drugs for pain and symptom control related to the terminal disease to be used at home. 2. Services covered whether or not patient is homebound. 3. Inpatient care to provide for respite care. 4. Counseling services 5. Homemakers 6. Bereavement counseling

If you would like additional information about CRMC Hospice, please call 225-6459.